Steps Involved For Buying A Route Distributorship Or Route For Sale
Unless you've bought or sold a business in the past, you'll find that buying a route for sale can be at times an overwhelming experience. That's why it is important for the prospective buyer to be knowledgeable about the process and to follow our simple steps outlined below when considering purchasing one of our routes for sale. Thoroughly understanding the process will assist even a veteran of business transfers in working with all companies involved.
Step 1: Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement. Before receiving sensitive confidential information, buyers must first sign a Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement. These agreements protect the prospective Buyer from having anyone such as an employer, employees, or the competition discover about the proposed acquisition prematurely. It also protects the Seller against unnecessary problems with customers, employees, vendors, competitors, landlords, bankers, creditors, etc. Step 2: Financial Documentation. About 50% of our listings provide some type of financing through the distribution company. However in most cases additional funding is required to complete the purchase. In addition our sellers have asked us to pre-qualify their potential buyers before delivering their financial documents or setting up a face to face meeting. Therefore it is necessary for us to verify that the prospective buyer has ability to purchase with cash and/or is pre-approved through a financial institution. We do not require you to send us sensitive information like bank statements or account numbers. In most cases we just need a letter from your bank stating you have the ability to purchase for the full amount or difference not financed by the company. You can also review more Financing Options Here Step 3: Face To Face Meeting. After reviewing the route for sale, and financial data, if the prospective Buyer determines that the business presents a desirable opportunity the Buyer should arrange a face to face meeting with the Seller to explore the route territory, learn operating procedures, and gain additional insight. Step 4: Making An Offer. After meeting the business owner and touring the route for sale, the next step is to present an offer of purchase for the business. Making the offer can be made at any time during the above process, and should also be noted that it is not the final step. In fact, it should be viewed as the first of several steps, each of which bring the Buyer and Seller closer to completing the transaction. Note: It is the prospective Buyer's duty and obligation to verify the accuracy of the Seller’s representations. Step 5: Good Faith Deposit. Also referred to as "Earnest Money" is required in the form of a check up to 5% of the selling price. This is usually done with a third party such as an escrow company. An escrow company is the mediator between the buyer and seller. If you do not have a company you trust, Routes For Sale recommends using Escrow.com Step 6: Company Approval. Once a selling price for the business has been agreed to, it is now time for the company to approve the buyer, and in turn for the buyer to review the distributor agreement. If financing is going to be done through the company, a credit application must be submitted for approval. Note: Every company’s policies and procedures vary, but in most cases as long as you have a descent credit score, no bankruptcies, or felonies, you should not have a problem being approved. Step 7: The Closing. Once the buyer is approved by the company and for financing (if applicable), it typically takes 6-8 weeks for final paper work to be drawn up and signed. A final meeting time will be established to sign your new distributorship agreement, and the exchange of money will take place between the buyer and seller in the form of a cashier’s check. After a sucessful closing, the good faith deposit will be released from the escrow agency.
Disclaimer: Routes For Sale is a Broker that brings buyers and sellers together. All agreements are made between the buyer and seller and not Routes For Sale. The above outlined steps are simply recommendations to make the buying and selling process go smoother. It is the prospective Buyer's duty and obligation to verify the accuracy of the Seller’s representations and if necessary retain attorneys, accountants, business appraisers, or other professionals.
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